1000 Gifts (24)

The gifts keep being recorded in my journal. In a week full of the normal work, conflicts and joys that come from living as a family I keep jotting down the little moments of grace and blessing that remind me of the goodness of my Heavenly Father in all circumstances.

This week I share with you my most encouraging gift. A song sung Sunday morning in worship. A song I have sung so often it rolls easily off my tongue. Yet, Sunday morning the words struck me with their truth and my soul was refreshed. My misdeeds dark are covered with grace! My soul can rest on His word, I don't have to doubt or fear! His helping love will meet my need! One day I will be free from sin and sorrow! Hallelujah!

Psalm 130 (From Depths of Woe)
(Words by Martin Luther)

From the depths of woe I raise to Thee the voice of lamentation
Lord, turn a gracious ear to me and hear my supplication
If Thou iniquities dost mark our secret sins and misdeeds dark
O who shall stand before Thee?

To wash away the crimson stain grace, grace alone availeth
Our works, alas! are all in vain in much the best life faileth
No man can glory in Thy sight, all must alike confess Thy might
And live alone by mercy.

Therefore my trust is in the Lord and not in mine own merit
On Him my soul shall rest, His word upholds my fainting spirit
His promised mercy is my fort, my comfort and my sweet support
I wait for it with patience.

What though I wait the live-long night and til the dawn appeareth
My heart still trusteth in His might, it doubteth not nor feareth
Do thus, O ye of Israel's seed, ye of the Spirit born indeed
And wait 'til God appeareth.

Though great our sins and sore our woes His grace much more aboundeth
His helping love no limit knows our utmost need it soundeth
Our Shepherd good and true is He who will at last His Israel free
From all their sin and sorrows.